Falconry

Auchen Castle has its own Falconry Centre on site, where you can experience the power and grace of these beautiful birds of prey.

With over twenty birds - including the magnificent Golden Eagle - you can stand back and witness the power and grace as they fly across the formal gardens in an organised display.

Or why not fly some birds yourself off the glove under the careful guidance of the castle's experienced instructor?

FALCONRY PACKAGES AT AUCHEN CASTLE

• The Hawk Walk £30 per person
  The perfect experience for your first time flying. The Hawk Walk is a way to experience first hand how to fly and handle a bird of prey. You walk through the beautiful woodland and grounds in the South West of Scotland, during which time you are able to see the Harris Hawk in action, gracefully flying through the trees. The hawk will fly to and from your fist, providing you with a unforgettable close up experience; you will get to see the birds flying close to nature. You will have the chance to learn about the history of hawking and falconry as you learn all about the Harris Hawk and how they live and hunt in the wild. Approximately an hour long. Minimum age 8 years.
  


• Mini Experience £36 per person
  This session is aimed at people with a natural curiosity; a lovely hands on introduction to these beautiful birds of prey and owls. On the Mini Experience you will start by gaining an understanding of the birds; you will get to fly a small number of different species of birds of prey and owls. You will start off at the flying ground getting up close and personal with various birds. Here you will see and learn the difference between the species. Next, you move on to flying a Harris Hawk. Your falconer will explain all about the hawk's physical adaptations and how it would hunt its prey in this natural environment, as it is gracefully flying through the trees and then on to your fist. This is truly an amazing experience not to be missed. Approximately an hour and half. Minimum age years 8.


• Half Day Bird of Prey Experience £72 per person
  The most popular activity. This half day provides you with an exciting
  insight into the techniques and skills to master these raptors of the air,
  with a hands on experience. You will have the chance to fly a number of
  different species from owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons and eagles; you can
  truly see the differences of all the species. To start off with, you will learn how to safely handle the birds and tie the falconer's knot. Time will be spent learning about the birds, their habitat, feeding habits and the equipment needed whilst flying them. This is an opportunity to really learn about birds of prey as a falcon swoops down past you at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. This is a chance of a lifetime. Approximately 3 hours' duration. Mminimum age 14 years.


• Falconry Experience £90 per person
  The Falconry Experience is the next set on from the Bird of Prey
  Experience. After a brief introduction, the speed and agility of the birds
  will truly amaze you. Join your falconer out in the stunning countryside around
  Dumfries & Galloway, with a pack of Harris Hawks, which will be hunting pheasants & rabbits with the help of friendly ferrets. This is as natural as it gets! This package is seasonally run from September to February. Duration 3 to 4 hours.


• For an action-packed experience, you can combine the Bird of Prey & the
  Falconry Experience for a full day experience. Lunch is provided with a
  warm welcome at the local pub. 10 am to 4 pm approximately. Minimum age 14 years.


• Children's Activities
  For children we recommend the Mini Experience


• Falconry Display £250
  Frontline Falconry will provide you with exhilarating flying demonstrations; interactive, educational and hands on flying demonstrations with birds of prey from around the world, designed to bring the birds as close to the audience as possible and to enthrall people of all ages. Displays and archery have become popular for weddings and other parties. For weddings they add that additional activity which often bridges the period between the end of the ceremony and the reception. It allows guests to come together during this happy time to watch and take part in a bird of prey display. This is ideal for weddings in country houses and other venues, including hotels with grounds. Displays can
  take place at the time of the 'photographs' allowing opportunities for the
  bride and groom to have their photograph taken with a bird of prey.
  
  All demonstrations are tailored to suit the client's requirements,
  whether it's a country fair, gala, wedding party, team building, corporate
  entertainment or any other sort of party.
  


• Ring Deliveries £160
  For a totally extraordinary experience we can arrange for a bird of prey to deliver your wedding rings to you, whether you are getting married inside or outside. One of the magnificent birds will swoop down on command, carrying a velvet bag containing your wedding rings in front of your friends and family members. If a bird can carry it , they can deliver it! The birds can also deliver other items from an engagement ring, key or scroll. If you have any other items, just ask and we will see what we can do.
  
  All birds subject to availability. Frontline Falconry endeavors to
  provide you with a professional service.